It’s either title or bust for Oaks Christian
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When is the last time you’ve heard Oaks Christian Coach Bill Redell utter the combination of words, ‘if we make the playoffs’?
Well, thanks to the Lions’ loss to Oak Park two weeks ago, they’re looking at a very important Tri-Valley League game Friday against first-place Nordhoff.
Sure, Oaks Christian is looking good to make the postseason, but it cannot underestimate a Nordhoff squad coming off a huge, 24-21 victory over an Oak Park team which looked destined to take the league title. Instead, if everything plays out like it should (which, by the way, hasn’t happened all year), there easily could be a three-way tie for first.
‘This is going to be a tough one because it’s basically for the league championship,’ Redell said. ‘If we don’t win this one, I don’t think we’ll make [the playoffs].’
That may be a little bit of a pessimistic outlook, but the Lions definitely wouldn’t be in control of their own destiny if they fall to Nordhoff. And who knows? Another Nordhoff win or a couple upsets by Carpinteria or Grace Brethren could spell postseason doom for Oaks Christian. Just don’t count on it.
What: Nordhoff (5-2-1, 3-0) at Oaks Christian (5-3, 2-1)
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Prediction: Oaks Christian 28, Nordhoff 17
Calpreps.com prediction: Oaks Christian 35, Nordhoff 20
-- Austin Knoblauch
